“What are your thoughts on study groups? What major should I pursue in undergrad? Should I go right through to law school? Is it competitive? What's the hardest book you have read in law school?” The answers to these questions? You can probably guess.
Earlier this year, four CSU Law Students—1L Charlie Volz, 2LE Alex Nardo, and 3L’s Jacob Bourquin and Mickey Isakoff—engaged with Rob Rivera’s Law and Policy class at Solon High School, an elective that attracts seniors and juniors with an interest in the legal system and aspirations for a legal career. In responding to the above-questions, our classmates introduced the inquiring high school students one of the most common utterances heard throughout the hallways and classrooms of law schools across the country: it depends.
The high school class, initiated by Rivera—himself an Ohio State University Moritz College of Law graduate—was comprised of approximately 20 students, who posed thought-provoking questions, revealing a genuine curiosity about the legal field. This unique collaboration not only allowed the CSU Law students to reflect on various facets of their law school journeys but also underscored a fundamental truth—no two individuals experience law school the same way. And that is perfectly okay.
While a sense of camaraderie prevails with the notion of “we are all in this together,” it is crucial to acknowledge the diversity within the law school experience. Some thrive in study groups, while others find solace in solitary study. The pursuit of a “High-A” in a course drives some, while others take a more comprehensive approach to defining success in a course. Fondness for specific courses such as contracts, property, or torts varies widely. Equally diverse are the paths that lead to law school—some arrive straight from undergrad, while others transition from entirely different careers. And this is not just ok, but actually desirable. Law school, at least here at CSU Law, is not a one size fits all. And that is the way it should be because life is anything but a one size fits all.
Beyond the academic substance, law school imparts the vital lesson that perspectives can differ, even among the brightest legal minds. A single term can spark debates, demonstrating the richness of distinct, and hopefully respectful, viewpoints. And this diversity extends beyond legal opinions shared in the classroom. When asked to describe law school in one word, each CSU student offered a different perspective: routine, regimented, stimulating, and demanding. For each student, synthesizing the law school experience into one word was a challenge, and each admitted that that word may change depending on the day. Ultimately, as we navigate through law school, it is essential to recognize, embrace, and reflect on our unique experiences—educationally and socially. Amidst the mixture of backgrounds, challenges, interests, and motivations, the common goal remains: striving to be the best version of ourselves. What does that look like? Well. . . It depends.
Mistakes are inevitable and happen in varying degrees—serving as invaluable, and sometimes harsh, lessons. The question of whether the time and effort invested in law school will be worth it boils down to how each individual measures not only the experience attaining law degree, but what they can do with it.
In the controlled chaos of law school life, taking a step back—as the four CSU Law students did at Solon High School—to recognize and appreciate others’ unique experiences, diverse backgrounds, and personal ambitions reminds us that embracing individuality enriches the collective journey toward becoming exceptional legal professionals. This recognition provides perspective, which takes us out of a casebook and into the real world where we will have the opportunity to make positive, tangible impacts.
It is imperative that we always remain open to both giving and receiving advice. An advice, not unlike law school, career paths, and even life, is not a one size fits all. Some advice we receive resonates with us deeply while other advice feels irrelevant and passes us by unnoticed. And that is okay. Sometimes the advice we give will be taken to heart, while other times it will be dismissed. And you know what? That too, is okay.
While it is not necessary to always agree with everyone on every point (contrast is important in life, after all), it is absolutely necessary that we strive to understand and respect people and their perspectives. Our unique experiences and different viewpoints are what makes for fruitful conversation and well-rounded opinions. In the end, as we forge our way through law school and beyond, remember that while “it depends” may seem like a frustrating answer, it is often the most honest and enlightening one. Embracing the diversity of experiences, opinions, and paths taken not only enriches individually but also strengthens the legal community as a whole.
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